70 drivers caught on phones in Chula Vista

CHULA VISTA  In a continued campaign against distracted driving, Chula Vista police officers cited 70 people for illegally using their cellphone Sunday, police said Monday.

The Distracted Driver Operation took place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Police stopped 97 vehicles, and 55 drivers were cited for using their cellphones while driving. Fifteen drivers were cited for texting, police said.

Additionally, five drivers were cited for driving with a suspended license, four were cited for not having a valid license and eight citations were issued to drivers for a variety of reasons including red light and posted sign violations. One driver was arrested for possession of marijuana for sale and six vehicles were impounded.

This was the fourth distracted driving operation conducted by Chula Vista police in recent weeks. The crackdowns are part of April's Distracted Driving Awareness Month and are funded by the state through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.